Dress code enforcement

[RevNeal]

Karen,

 

Welcome! I'll try to answer your questions:

 

1. My son, who will wear a tuxedo on formal nights, wants to know if polo shirts are OK for casual nights.

 

Slacks and polo shirts are perfectly fine for the casual nights. That's pretty much what I wear.

 

2. Is this correct? ----the first and last night are usually casual, with two formal nights, and thus leaving 3 informal nights (jacket-yes, tie optional).

 

The first and last nights are casual nights, yes. On a 7 day cruise you will have 2 formal nights, usually 1 informal night, and 5 casual nights.

 

3. Is it traditionally or strongly suggested staying in above said clothing through the remainder of the evening? On the other 4 cruiselines we have been on, this has been optionally followed.

 

Allow me to put it this way ... the Dress code states the following: "In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening." Now, is the REQUIRED? Some people ignore it. But, it's what the Line requests.

[julia]

No

and

No

 

One of the things that I've discovered on a few of our cruises are "newbies" who failed to do their homework when it comes to packing (being a member of Cruise Critic, it's hard to fathom those who take packing so nonchalantly!) :) Anyway, on an RCI cruise, we had a lovely table of 10 and one couple was quite bummed because they did not realize, or pack for, the elegant dining room (our's was a pretty dressy table each night). Since she & I hit it off great, I ended up loaning her a few dressy pieces to wear to the dining room during the week, and she was sooo appreciative! Her hubby bought a tie and dark shirt while on board, and they were good to go. She returned my things (cleaned & pressed) with a sweet note at the end of the cruise.

 

Sooo... sometimes, the dress code violators are simply unaware of what constitutes dining room attire (even though it's clearly spelled out in the documents!)

[karen2cruz]

Thanks Revneal - It helps to know I need to pack more polo shirts for him than dress shirts.

 

Now to just figure out what I need to wear. Guess it's time to learn how to mix and match well, or maybe I have to go shopping-darn:D

 

Karen

[Copper10-8]

OMG - Doesn't that drive you F$*%ing CRAZY!

 

Last time I was at a ballgame here in SF, a Dad w/ his gaggle in the row ahead of us talked and loudly rearranged themselves and various sodas/treats, etc. during the anthem. Much to my friends horror, I gave him a stern lecture on etiquette after the anthem. (Even if this is not your country, you stand quietly with your hats off and face in the direction of the flag, being respectful of the customs of the country you are in and those around you - your children will never become proper citizens unless you do your job and teach them what they need to know.)

 

He didn't know what to say, but he made sure his kids behaved throughout the game.

 

Good job, Brian! Proud of you! USAF training!

[cruisequeen10]

In fine restaurants on land, some require that men wear a suit and tie. They enforce the rules then. Why can't they on the cruise ship. If you cannot wear shorts, tshirts, jeans etc into the dining room then they must enforce it. They are just letting passsengers get away with murder, then they don't know how to control the situation. Nip it in the bud now, rather than having unhappy guests.

[Boatdrill]

On several occasions we have mentioned to our area captains and the maitre'd about the dress of someone who was really out of line - the people who came into the dining room dressed in shorts on a formal evening - just one incident.

 

And we have also written notes on our comment cards although I truely believe no one ever reads them.

 

 

Oh yes, they are read.

 

If you have a complaint with dress code enforcement or any other issue, speak to the Hotel Director. NOT when you pass him in the hallway, but make an appointment to talk with him, and be sure you keep it.

[RevNeal]

Thanks Revneal - It helps to know I need to pack more polo shirts for him than dress shirts.

 

Now to just figure out what I need to wear. Guess it's time to learn how to mix and match well, or maybe I have to go shopping-darn:D

 

Karen ... you know, he can wear a polo shirt under a sport jacket with a pair of slacks. :) That way, all you need is a tuxedo shirt to go with the tuxedo.

 

As for having to go shopping ... yes, I'm certain that's such a disappointment! It is for me, every time I have to get ready for a cruise. The agony! ;)

[herb]

I would never even think of going up to the Maitre D' and complain about what someone else was wearing. That's not my job, and that's not why I went on vacation. I just want to relax and enjoy peace and quiet... not second guess what people are wearing to dinner.

 

P.S. Many of you have stated that one needs to voice their strong opinion in favor of stricter enforcement of dress codes via letters to Seattle or comments on comment cards.

 

Has anyone ever thought that there might actually be quite a large amount of letters being sent to Seattle or comments made on comment cards AGAINST formal nights?

[diboja]

I would never even think of going up to the Maitre D' and complain about what someone else was wearing. That's not my job, and that's not why I went on vacation. I just want to relax and enjoy peace and quiet... not second guess what people are wearing to dinner.

 

Has anyone ever thought that there might actually be quite a large amount of letters being sent to Seattle or comments made on comment cards AGAINST formal nights?

 

Well said Herb!

So much rhetoric is on these boards about how people should or should not dress - it certainly becomes a redundant topic.

 

We follow the rules - to a point. After having dinner in the main dining room we have gone back to our room to change to be more comfortable at the evening Show. If having dinner in the Lido on a "formal"night and are dressed casual I'll be darned if we are going back to our room to change into formal wear so that we can take in the Show.....

 

Never judge a book by its cover.....I have seen some of the most arrogant, ignorant people(the minority to be sure) dressed to the nine's every night and have been with people who have never cruised before, worn a sports jacket with tie and the lady in a pantsuit as this is the one and only cruise that they have taken in their lives - not they they didn't know better but thats all they could afford for this special once in a life-time occasion......these people were delightful to be with compared to the "hoity-toity'" walking clothing racks.....

 

I am there to enjoy my vacation and not to be judgemental - I wish people could be more understanding of others that may be on their one and only cruise and may not travel in the realm of those cruisers who can afford to take their 10 or twenty cruises. I repeat "never judge a book by its cover"!!

[RuthC]

Has anyone ever thought that there might actually be quite a large amount of letters being sent to Seattle or comments made on comment cards AGAINST formal nights?

Yes, I am begining to come to that realization. And that is why those of us who wish to see HAL remain the line we chose for the reasons we chose it must not stay silent.

Our silence could be seen as tacit approval---or worse, seen as agreement with those who do petition for relaxed standards.

[ryansmemom]

Can someone please help me understand why some people are so very judgementalregarding people who dress up formally for formal night? Some how the people who are dressed down are given the benifit of the doubt,which is fine with me. They may be hard working people who have struggled and sved for this once in a lifetime experience. However, the well dressed people are judged as being "hoity-toity walking cloths racks" or the ever dredded "snobs" who are always so judgemental.

 

Judgemental works both ways. What is wrong with enjoying and having the means to dress well, being well groomed and enjoying these things? Since my husband and I worked for our money and our lifestyle and continue to do so, I do not think we should have to apologize, be judged or be chastistized for enjoying it. People who wear nice clothes or enjoy formal evenings are just as worthy of respect as those who don't.

 

Linda

[dakrewser]

I am there to enjoy my vacation and not to be judgemental - I wish people could be more understanding of others that may be on their one and only cruise and may not travel in the realm of those cruisers who can afford to take their 10 or twenty cruises. I repeat "never judge a book by its cover"!!

 

So if I only go to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City 'once in my life', then it's OK to wear shorts and a tank-top???

 

And, in fact, most people judge books by their covers - that's why publishers spend so much money on the dust jackets, art & cover copy!

[herb]

People who wear nice clothes or enjoy formal evenings are just as worthy of respect as those who don't.

 

Linda

 

I agree with you 100%. EVERYONE should be worthy of respect.

[mickeyfitz]

Please, not the "judgmental" adjective again. There is nothing judgmental about preferring that there be formal nights and that at least the minimum HAL published standards be enforced. I am not going to "judge" the motivation or character of the violator, I just want HAL to enforce those minimum, and I do mean minimum, standards so that formal night does in fact remain formal night and not just an evening during which some people in the dining room choose to dress up and others don't, because then the special atmosphere is gone and the whole idea might as well be abandoned.

[diboja]

People who wear nice clothes or enjoy formal evenings are just as worthy of respect as those who don't.

 

Linda

 

You betcha!!! I agree with you!

My wife and I always follow the dress code - while Dining!

 

It just seems that some who do follow the rules to a "T" are usually the most judgmental and pass along their criteria of dress in a most obssessive way.

 

Life is just too short to get twisted out of shape about how someone dresses.......Personally, I have much more important things to worry about or to enjoy in life.

[HeatherInFlorida]

No, I never have and ....

No, I probably never will.

To be honest (when am I not;) ?), I really take no notice of people who don't bother to dress appropriately. So they must not exist in the vast numbers that some people say or I think I would begin to notice.

[herb]

[quote name='dakrewser']So if I only go to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City 'once in my life', then it's OK to wear shorts and a tank-top???[/QUOTE]

Let's not get silly! I don't think [U]anyone[/U] so far on any of these "formal night proper attire" threads equated shorts and a tank-top as proper attire for formal night, and that is what the original thread was about.

[diboja]

[quote name='dakrewser']So if I only go to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City 'once in my life', then it's OK to wear shorts and a tank-top???
[/QUOTE]

I have a hard time equating St. Peter's to a Holiday Cruise!

[lougee1043]

[quote name='diboja']
We follow the rules - to a point. After having dinner in the main dining room we have gone back to our room to change to be more comfortable at the evening Show. If having dinner in the Lido on a "formal"night and are dressed casual I'll be darned if we are going back to our room to change into formal wear so that we can take in the Show.....quote]

since when are rules ( follow the announced dress code for the entire evening) open for individual interpetation --- to me a rule is a rule--
you can risk speeding above the posted speed limit but you hold yourself open to a ticket ---- a jacket rule in a restaurant is not open to interpetation- no jacket no meal------ you dont put your spin on your works dress code --- a suit is a suit --- you dont walk in wearing jeans or shorts --------------------so why is it so difficult to follow the rules on a hal ship ------ maybe your ta did you a disservice by putting you on a hal ship when you might be more comfortable on a more casual cruise lline

[NoNoNanette]

[quote name='diboja']Well said Herb!
So much rhetoric is on these boards about how people should or should not dress - it certainly becomes a redundant topic.

We follow the rules - to a point. After having dinner in the main dining room we have gone back to our room to change to be more comfortable at the evening Show. If having dinner in the Lido on a "formal"night and are dressed casual I'll be darned if we are going back to our room to change into formal wear so that we can take in the Show.....

Never judge a book by its cover.....I have seen some of the most arrogant, ignorant people(the minority to be sure) dressed to the nine's every night and have been with people who have never cruised before, worn a sports jacket with tie and the lady in a pantsuit as this is the one and only cruise that they have taken in their lives - not they they didn't know better but thats all they could afford for this special once in a life-time occasion......these people were delightful to be with compared to the "hoity-toity'" walking clothing racks.....

I am there to enjoy my vacation and not to be judgemental - I wish people could be more understanding of others that may be on their one and only cruise and may not travel in the realm of those cruisers who can afford to take their 10 or twenty cruises. I repeat "never judge a book by its cover"!![/quote]

EXCELLENT POST!:)

We will also change after dinner. Honestly, I couldn't care any less about what others will be wearing (or for that matter, thinking)... in or out of the dining room.;)

[herb]

[quote name='diboja']
If having dinner in the Lido on a "formal"night and are dressed casual I'll be darned if we are going back to our room to change into formal wear so that we can take in the Show.....[/quote]

A serious question:

Does Holland America, who has given passengers the choice to not dress "formally" and eat in the Lido Buffet expect passengers to then go back to their cabins and change to formal wear in order to go to a show? Why give them the option to dine informally yet make them wear a tux or evening gown to watch a lip synch Broadway revue?

[tech]

Herb,

[SIZE=6][COLOR=Blue]Bravissimo !
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[HeatherInFlorida]

[quote name='herb']A serious question:

Does Holland America, who has given passengers the choice to not dress "formally" and eat in the Lido Buffet expect passengers to then go back to their cabins and change to formal wear in order to go to a show? Why give them the option to dine informally yet make them wear a tux or evening gown to watch a lip synch Broadway revue?[/quote]

A serious answer:

No. They do not. But they do ask that if you are not going to dress in the "suggested" attire of the evening that you not visit the public areas of the ship.

The "suggestion" would be, then, that you not attend the show. Since from your post I gather you have no interest in seeing the show anyway, your question becomes moot.

Without naming names, it seems to me that there are some people who simply could care less about just about anything. And if that's the case, why ask anything here or read any threads when you pretty much plan to do as you wish anyway?

The mind boggles:) . I think perhaps I've just lived to darned long.

[Copper10-8]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Two more cents: On formal night on HAL and AFTER dinner, you will see many folks dressed up in their formals enjoying themselves in places like the Explorer's Lounge, the Ocean Bar and the Crow's Nest. The atmosphere and ambiance on a formal night that many here enjoy and speak of is there for those folks to partake in. Yes, you will see other pax (in my experience, not the majority by far) who have either changed into something more casual after dinner or never went formal and had dinner elsewhere, in venues like the casino, the show lounge(s), the shops, the internet center, etc. who are also enjoying themselves. It has been discussed at length: You will no longer get a 100% compliance to the "suggested" formal dress code and some people who do comply with it for dinner, will change afterwards! Accept it! There is room on a HAL ship for both to coexist without bad-mouthing and/or looking down at each other! Just enjoy yourself, your company and your cruise! [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[herb]

[quote name='HeatherInFlorida']A serious answer:

No. They do not. But they do ask that if you are not going to dress in the "suggested" attire of the evening that you not visit the public areas of the ship.

The "suggestion" would be, then, that you not attend the show. Since from your post [B]I gather you have no interest in seeing the show anyway[/B], your question becomes moot.



[/QUOTE]

Heather, you're absolutely right, those Broadway revues were fun when we first started cruising, [U]but[/U] we still do enjoy the comedy shows, going to the casino, and having a drink or two in the lounge. :)
I would also like to state that my wife and I do dress formally on formal night ie. tux and evening gown.
P.S. I don't own jeans, and I hate wearing hats, therefore you'd never ever see me in a baseball hat or wearing any type of jeans in the dining room :D

I suppose I should rephrase my question: why does HAL even give the option to eat informally on Formal night if, after dinner, HAL is so [I]picky[/I] about what you wear to participate in anything more than taking a stroll on a wood teak deck or watching tv in your cabin?

Maybe HAL needs to rephrase their ~what to wear~ guide in the "Know Before You Go" to: Yes, you can dress informally on Formal night and eat in the buffet, but we ask that you then, upon completion of your meal please refrain from partaking in any evening activities onboard the ship other than walking outside on the promenade or remaining in your cabin or on your private balcony. Thank you for sailing with Holland America". ;)